A Minute in March

Lou has reached an age of reflection and wants to swim to France. Or does he? Is his behaviour down to ambition, a sense of duty, escapism, or sheer desperation? Should he not be content with his lot? Has he got what it takes? This training diary documents the journeys and friendships that meet their inevitable test at the hands of nature. Sales of this book support the cancer charity Fish Aid. More

This is a book about challenge, adventure and discovery. It is not a novel, as all of the happenings are based on genuine events. 'Gentlemen of a certain age' may well recognise some of the traits and frailties displayed by the main characters. Swimmers, and particularly those responding to the call of open water, will find the content both useful and interesting. The mixture of humour, reflection and real life experiences will resonate with all readers. For chocolate fans, there is a purist's recipe for preparing hot cocoa.Proceeds from the sales of this book will be forwarded to Fish Aid. Known formally as the Anthony Pilcher Bone Cancer Trust, this charity raises funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. Anthony Pilcher died of osteosarcoma in 2002, aged 15.

I was born in 1974 in Rutland, England's smallest county, where the motto is ​'multum in parvo' ​('much from little'). I have survived - just about - a few jobs over the years and been a school teacher for the last 15. In the RAF, I ironed shirts for the Queen and, prior to that, spent 7 months eating ice cream in New Zealand. While studying for my degree, and beyond, I also worked for a sports distribution company in Folkestone. My first job was at the Hythe Imperial Hotel, where my colleagues threw knives at me and one of the chefs called me 'Honey'. After that, I worked on the deli counter at Tesco, chopping cheese and serving samosas. These days, I dream of connecting with others through my writing. When I can, I like to spend time moving about outside - I love the water and am a keen swimmer. I live on Kent's south coast with one wife, 3 kids, 2 cats, a dozen goldfish and a tank of rapidly reproducing stick insects.